Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics (MAPA)
The Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics (MAPA) is a 60-unit program designed to provide training in bible, theology, apologetics, and philosophy with a heavier emphasis on apologetics and philosophy. Optional extensions include thesis and language tracks. This program is specifically designed as a preparation track for the PhD studies in Philosophy of Religion. It is also designed to help prepare students to teach within an academic setting across three disciplines providing 18 credit hours each for theology, apologetics, and philosophy. Its approach follows the tradition of classical theism, classical apologetics, and Thomistic philosophy. We encourage applications for admission from those who desire theology, apologetics, and philosophy and want to prepare for advanced studies in philosophical theology.
Program Learning Outcomes
VIU is committed to quality education with the following program objectives:
- To learn how to analyze and defend the historic Christian faith against philosophical objections.
- To articulate knowledge of philosophy, theology, apologetics, and Biblical studies.
- To demonstrate the ability to perform research in the areas of philosophy, theology, apologetics, and Biblical studies.
- To communicate and defend the Christian faith effectively in both academic and ministry settings.
- To demonstrate a love for the truth of God and the willingness to reach people from various backgrounds with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics Degrees
The core MAPA program requires an investment of 60 units. There are additional thesis and language tracks enumerated below:
- Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics (60 units)
- Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics with Thesis (63 units)
- Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics with Biblical Languages (78 units)
- Master of Arts in Philosophy and Apologetics with Biblical Languages and Thesis (81 units)
MA in Philosophy and Apologetics (60 Units)
| Course # | Course Title | Units | Term | Transfer Course |
| Prerequisite Requirement | ||||
| RW499 | Research & Writing Skills | P/F | ||
| Bible (6 units) | ||||
| OT510 | Old Testament Survey | 3.00 | ||
| NT515 | New Testament Survey | 3.00 | ||
| Theology Requirements (18 Units) | ||||
| TH520 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 3.00 | ||
| TH530 | Prolegomena & Bibliology | 3.00 | ||
| TH540 | Theology Proper & Creation | 3.00 | ||
| TH550 | Christology and Pneumatology | 3.00 | ||
| TH560 | Anthropology, Hamartiology, and Soteriology | 3.00 | ||
| TH570 | Ecclesiology and Eschatology | 3.00 | ||
| Apologetics Requirements (18 Units) | ||||
| AP501 | Christian Apologetics | 3.00 | ||
| AP504 | Christian Ethics and Moral Philosophy | 3.00 | ||
| AP507 | Problem of Evil | 3.00 | ||
| AP510 | Cultural and Social Apologetics | 3.00 | ||
| RE504 | World Religions | 3.00 | ||
| RE505 | Contemporary Cults | 3.00 | ||
| Philosophy Requirements (18 Units) | ||||
| PH510 | Classical Logic & Beginning Symbolic Logic | 3.00 | ||
| PH515 | Philosophy of Religion | 3.00 | ||
| PH520 | History of Philosophy & Christian Thought I | 3.00 | ||
| PH530 | History of Philosophy & Christian Thought II | 3.00 | ||
| PH540 | Metaphysics | 3.00 | ||
| PH550 | Epistemology | 3.00 | ||
| Spiritual Formation (3 Courses) | ||||
| CM501 | Church/Mission Experience I | P/F | ||
| CM502 | Church/Mission Experience II | P/F | ||
| CM503 | Church/Mission Experience III | P/F | ||
| Comprehensive Exam | ||||
| MPA599 | MAPA Comprehensive Exam | P/F |
*Students are responsible for tracking their own graduation progress. Contact Registrar with questions.